CHAPTERII
HehadnotgoneagreatdistancefromBenEdairwhenhecametoanintricate，gloomywood，wherethetreesgrewsothicklyandtheundergrowthwassuchasproutandtanglethatonecouldscarcelypassthroughit。Herememberedthatapathhadoncebeenhackedthroughthewood，andhesoughtforthis。Itwasadeeplyscooped，hollowway，anditranorwriggledthroughtheentirelengthofthewood。
IntothisgloomydrainFionndescendedandmadeprogress，butwhenhehadpenetrateddeeplyinthedankforestheheardasoundofthumpingandsquelchingfootsteps，andhesawcomingtowardshimahorrible，evil-visagedbeing；awild，monstrous，yellow-skinned，big-bonedgiant，dressedinnothingbutanill-made，mud-plastered，drab-colouredcoat，whichswaggledandclappedagainstthecalvesofhisbigbarelegs。Onhisstampingfeetthereweregreatbroguesofbootsthatwereshapedlike，butwerebiggerthan，aboat，andeachtimeheputafootdownitsquashedandsquirtedabarrelfulofmudfromthesunkroad。
Fionnhadneverseenthelikeofthisvastperson，andhestoodgazingonhim，lostinastareofastonishment。
Thegreatmansalutedhim。
\"Allalone，Fionn？’hecried。\"HowdoesithappenthatnotoneFenianoftheFiannaisatthesideofhiscaptain？\"AtthisinquiryFionngotbackhiswits。
\"Thatistoolongastoryanditistoointricateandpressingtobetold，alsoIhavenotimetosparenow。\"
\"Yettellitnow，\"themonstrousmaninsisted。
Fionn，thuspressed，toldofthecomingofCaeloftheIron，ofthechallengethelatterhadissued，andthathe，Fionn，wasofftoTaraoftheKingstofindCaeltemacRona’n。
\"Iknowthatforeignerwell，\"thebigmancommented。
\"Ishethechampionhemakeshimselfouttobe？\"Fionninquired。
\"Hecandotwiceasmuchashesaidhewoulddo，\"themonsterreplied。
\"Hewon’toutrunCaeltemacRona’n，\"Fionnasserted。Thebigmanjeered。
\"Saythathewon’toutrunahedgehog，dearheart。ThisCaelwillendthecoursebythetimeyourCaeltebeginstothinkofstarting。\"
\"Then，\"saidFionn，\"Inolongerknowwheretoturn，orhowtoprotectthehonourofIreland。\"
\"Iknowhowtodothesethings，\"theothermancommentedwithaslownodofthehead。
\"Ifyoudo，\"Fionnpleaded，\"tellittomeuponyourhonour。\"
\"Iwilldothat，\"themanreplied。
\"Donotlookanyfurtherfortherusty-kneed，slow-trottingsonofRona’n，\"hecontinued，\"butaskmetorunyourrace，and，bythishand，Iwillbefirstatthepost。\"
AtthistheChiefbegantolaugh。
\"Mygoodfriend，youhaveworkenoughtocarrythetwotonsofmudthatareplasteredoneachofyourcoat-tails，tosaynothingofyourweightyboots。\"
\"Bymyhand，\"themancried，\"thereisnopersoninIrelandbutmyselfcanwinthatrace。Iclaimachance。\"
Fionnagreedthen。\"Beitso，\"saidhe。\"Andnow，tellmeyourname？\"
\"IamknownastheCarloftheDrabCoat。\"
\"Allnamesarenames，\"Fionnresponded，\"andthatalsoisaname。\"
TheyreturnedthentoBenEdair。
CHAPTERIII
WhentheycameamongthehostthemenofIrelandgatheredaboutthevaststranger；andthereweresomewhohidtheirfacesintheirmantlessothattheyshouldnotbeseentolaugh，andthereweresomewhorolledalongthegroundinmerriment，andtherewereotherswhocouldonlyholdtheirmouthsopenandcrooktheirkneesandhangtheirarmsandstaredumbfoundedlyuponthestranger，asthoughtheywereutterlydazed。
CaeloftheIroncamealsoonthescene，andheexaminedthestrangerwithcloseandparticularattention。
\"Whatinthenameofthedevilisthisthing？\"heaskedofFionn。
\"Dearheart，\"saidFionn，\"thisisthechampionIamputtingagainstyouintherace。\"
CaeloftheIrongrewpurpleintheface，andhealmostswallowedhistonguethroughwrath。
\"Untiltheendofeternity，\"heroared，\"anduntiltheverylastmomentofdoomIwillnotmoveonefootinaracewiththisgreasy，big-hoofed，ill-assembledresemblanceofabeggarman。\"
ButatthistheCarlburstintoaroaroflaughter，sothattheeardrumsofthewarriorspresentalmostburstinsideoftheirheads。
\"Bereassured，mydarling，Iamnobeggarman，andmyqualityisnotmoregrossthanisthebloodofthemostdelicateprinceinthisassembly。Youwillnotevadeyourchallengeinthatway，mylove，andyoushallrunwithmeoryoushallruntoyourshipwithmebehindyou。Whatlengthofcoursedoyoupropose，dearheart？\"
\"Ineverrunlessthansixtymiles，\"Caelrepliedsullenly。
\"Itisasmallrun，\"saidtheCarl，\"butitwilldo。FromthisplacetotheHilloftheRushes，SlieveLuachraofMunster，isexactlysixtymiles。Willthatsuityou？\"
\"Idon’tcarehowitisdone，\"Caelanswered。
\"Then，\"saidtheCarl，\"wemaygoofftoSlieveLuachranow，andinthemorningwecanstartourracetheretohere。\"
\"Letitbedonethatway，\"saidCael。
ThesetwosetoutthenforMunster，andasthesunwassettingtheyreachedSlieveLuachraandpreparedtospendthenightthere。
CHAPTERIV
\"Cael，mypulse，\"saidtheCarl，\"wehadbetterbuildahouseorahuttopassthenightin。\"
\"I’Ilbuildnothing，\"Caelreplied，lookingontheCarlwithgreatdisfavour。
\"No！\"
\"Iwon’tbuildhouseorhutforthesakeofpassingonenighthere，forIhopenevertoseethisplaceagain。\"
\"I’Ilbuildahousemyself，\"saidtheCarl，\"andthemanwhodoesnothelpinthebuildingcanstayoutsideofthehouse。\"
TheCarlstumpedtoanear-bywood，andheneverresteduntilhehadfelledandtiedtogethertwenty-fourcouplesofbigtimber。
Hethrusttheseunderonearmandundertheotherhetuckedabundleofrushesforhisbed，andwiththatoneloadherushedupahouse，wellthatchedandsnug，andwiththetimberthatremainedoverhemadeabonfireonthefloorofthehouse。
Hiscompanionsatatadistanceregardingtheworkwithrageandaversion。
\"NowCael，mydarling，\"saidtheCarl，\"ifyouareamanhelpmetolookforsomethingtoeat，forthereisgamehere。\"
\"Helpyourself，\"roaredCael，\"forallthatIwantisnottobenearyou。\"
\"Thetooththatdoesnothelpgetsnohelping，\"theotherreplied。
InashorttimetheCarlreturnedwithawildboarwhichhehadrundown。Hecookedthebeastoverhisbonfireandateonehalfofit，leavingtheotherhalfforhisbreakfast。Thenbelaydownontherushes，andintwoturnshefellasleep。
ButCaellayoutonthesideofthehill，andifhewenttosleepthatnighthesleptfasting。Itwashe，however，whoawakenedtheCarlinthemorning。
\"Getup，beggarman，ifyouaregoingtorunagainstme。\"
TheCarlrubbedhiseyes。
\"InevergetupuntilIhavehadmyfillofsleep，andthereisanotherhourofitduetome。Butifyouareinahurry，mydelight，youcanstartrunningnowwithablessing。IwilltrotonyourtrackwhenIwakenup。\"
Caelbegantoracethen，andhewasgladofthestart，forhisantagonistmadesolittleaccountofhimthathedidnotknowwhattoexpectwhentheCarlwouldbegintorun。
\"Yet，\"saidCaeltohimself，\"withanhour’sstartthebeggarmanwillhavetomovehisbonesifhewantstocatchonme，\"andhesettleddowntoagood，peltingrace。
CHAPTERV
AttheendofanhourtheCarlawoke。Heatethesecondhalfoftheboar，andhetiedtheunpickedbonesinthetailofhiscoat。
Thenwithagreatrattlingoftheboar’sboneshestarted。
Itishardtotellhowheranoratwhatspeedheran，buthewentforwardingreattwo-leggedjumps，andattimeshemovedinimmenseone-legged，mud-spatteringhops，andattimesagain，withwide-stretched，far-flung，terrible-tramping，space-destroyinglegsheran。
Helefttheswallowsbehindasiftheywereasleep。Hecaughtuponareddeer，jumpedoverit，andleftitstanding。Thewindwasalwaysbehindhim，forheoutraniteverytime；andhecaughtupinjumpsandbouncesonCaeloftheIron，althoughCaelwasrunningwell，withhisfistsupandhisheadbackandhistwolegsflyinginandoutsovigorouslythatyoucouldnotseethembecauseofthatspeedymovement。
TrottingbythesideofCael，theCarlthrustahandintothetailofhiscoatandpulledoutafistfullofredbones。
\"Here，myheart，isameatybone，\"saidhe，\"foryoufastedallnight，poorfriend，andifyoupickabitofftheboneyourstomachwillgetarest。\"
\"Keepyourfilth，beggarman，\"theotherreplied，\"forIwouldratherbehangedthangnawonabonethatyouhavebrowsed。\"
\"Whydon’tyourun，mypulse？\"saidtheCarlearnestly；\"whydon’tyoutrytowintherace？\"
Caelthenbegantomovehislimbsasiftheywerethewingsofafly，orthefinsofalittlefish，orasiftheywerethesixlegsofaterrifiedspider。
\"Iamrunning，\"hegasped。
\"Buttryandrunlikethis，\"theCarladmonished，andhegaveawrigglingboundandasuddenoutstretchingandscurryingofshanks，andhedisappearedfromCael’ssightinonewildspatterofbigboots。
DespairfellonCaeloftheIron，buthehadagreatheart。\"I
willrununtilIburst，\"heshrieked，\"andwhenIburst，mayI
bursttoagreatdistance，andmayItripthatbeggar-manupwithmyburstingsandmakehimbreakhisleg。\"
Hesettledthentoadetermined，savage，implacabletrot。HecaughtupontheCarlatlast，forthelatterhadstoppedtoeatblackberriesfromthebushesontheroad，andwhenhedrewnigh，CaelbegantojeerandsneerangrilyattheCarl。
\"Wholostthetailsofhiscoat？\"heroared。
\"Don’taskriddlesofamanthat’seatingblackberries，\"theCarlrebukedhim。
\"Thedogwithoutatallandthecoatwithoutatail，\"criedCael。
\"Igiveitup，\"theCarlmumbled。
\"It’syourself，beggarman，\"jeeredCael。
\"Iammyself，\"theCarlgurgledthroughamouthfulofblackberries，\"andasIammyself，howcanitbemyself？Thatisasillyriddle，\"heburbled。
\"Lookatyourcoat，tubofgrease？’
TheCarldidso。
\"Myfaith，\"saidhe，\"wherearethetwotailsofmycoat？\"\"I
couldsmelloneofthemanditwrappedaroundalittletreethirtymilesback，\"saidCael，\"andtheotheronewasdishonouringabushtenmilesbehindthat。\"
\"Itisbadlucktobeseparatedfromthetailsofyourowncoat，\"
theCarlgrumbled。\"I’llhavetogobackforthem。Waithere，beloved，andeatblackberriesuntilIcomeback，andwe’llbothstartfair。\"
\"NothalfasecondwillIwait，\"Caelreplied，andhebegantoruntowardsBenEdairasaloverrunstohismaidenorasabeefliestohishive。
\"Ihaven’thadhalfmyshareofblackberrieseither，\"theCarllamentedashestartedtorunbackwardsforhiscoat-tails。
Herandeterminedlyonthatbackwardjourney，andasthepathhehadtravelledwasbeatenoutasifithadbeentrampledbyanhundredbullsyokednecktoneck，hewasabletofindthetwobushesandthetwocoat-tails。Hesewedthemonhiscoat。
Thenhesprangup，andhetooktoafitandavortexandanexasperationofrunningforwhichnodescriptionmaybefound。
Thethumpingofhisbigbootsgrewascon-tinuousasthepatteringofhailstonesonaroof，andthewindofhispassageblewtreesdown。Thebeaststhatwererangingbesidehispathdroppeddeadfromconcussion，andthesteamthatsnoredfromhisnoseblewbirdsintobitsandmadegreatlumpsofcloudfalloutofthesky。
HeagaincaughtuponCael，whowasrunningwithhisheaddownandhistoesup。
\"Ifyouwon’ttrytorun，mytreasure，\"saidtheCarl，\"youwillnevergetyourtribute。\"
Andwiththatheincensedandexplodedhimselfintoaneye-blinding，continuous，waggleandcomplexityofbootsthatleftCaelbehindhiminaflash。
\"IwillrununtilIburst，\"sobbedCael，andhescrewedagitationanddespairintohislegsuntilhehummedandbuzzedlikeablue-bottleonawindow。
FivemilesfromBenEdairtheCarlstopped，forhehadagaincomeamongblackberries。
Heateoftheseuntilhewasnomorethanasackofjuice，andwhenheheardthehummingandbuzzingofCaeloftheIronhemournedandlamentedthathecouldnotwaittoeathisfillHetookoffhiscoat，stuffeditfullofblackberries，swungitonhisshoulders，andwentboundingstoutlyandnimblyforBenEdair。
CHAPTERVI
ItwouldbehardtotelloftheterrorthatwasinFionn’sbreastandintheheartsoftheFiannawhiletheyattendedtheconclusionofthatrace。
Theydiscusseditunendingly，andatsomemomentofthedayamanupbraidedFionnbecausehehadnotfoundCaeltethesonofRona’nashadbeenagreedon。
\"ThereisnoonecanrunlikeCaelte，\"onemanaverred。
\"Hecoverstheground，\"saidanother。
\"Heislightasafeather。\"
\"Swiftasastag。\"\"Lungedlikeabull。\"
\"Leggedlikeawolf。\"
\"Heruns！\"
ThesethingsweresaidtoFionn，andFionnsaidthesethingstohimself。
Witheverypassingminuteadropofleadthumpeddownintoeveryheart，andapangofdespairstabbeduptoeverybrain。
\"Go，\"saidFionntoahawk-eyedman，\"gotothetopofthishillandwatchforthecomingoftheracers。\"
Andhesentlithemenwithhimsothattheymightrunbackinendlesssuccessionwiththenews。
Themessengersbegantorunthroughhistentatminuteintervalscalling\"nothing，\"\"nothing，\"\"nothing，\"astheypausedanddartedaway。
Andthewords，\"nothing，nothing，nothing，\"begantodrowseintothebrainsofeverypersonpresent。
\"WhatcanwehopefromthatCarl？\"achampiondemandedsavagely。
\"Nothing，\"criedamessengerwhostoodandsped。
\"Aclump！\"criedachampion。
\"Ahog！\"saidanother。
\"Aflat-footed，\"
\"Little-wlnded，\"
\"Big-bellied，\"
\"Lazy-boned，\"
\"Pork！\"
\"Didyouthink，Fionn，thatawhalecouldswimonland，orwhatdidyouimaginethatlumpcoulddo？\"
\"Nothing，\"criedamessenger，andwasspedashespoke。
RagebegantognawinFionn’ssoul，andaredhazedancedandflickeredbeforehiseyes。Hishandsbegantotwitchandadesirecreptoverhimtoseizeonchampionsbytheneck，andtoshakeandworryandrageamongthemlikeawilddogragingamongsheep。
Helookedonone，andyetheseemedtolookonallatonce。
\"Besilent，\"hegrowled。\"Leteachmanbesilentasadeadman。\"
Andhesatforward，seeingall，seeingnone，withhismouthdroopingopen，andsuchawildnessandbristleloweringfromthatgreatglumbrowthatthechampionsshiveredasthoughalreadyinthechillofdeath，andweresilent。
Heroseandstalkedtothetent-door。
\"Whereto，OFionn？\"saidachampionhumbly。
\"Tothehill-top，\"saidFionn，andhestalkedon。
Theyfollowedhim，whisperingamongthemselves，keepingtheireyesonthegroundastheyclimbed。
CHAPTERVII
\"Whatdoyousee？\"Fionndemandedofthewatcher。
\"Nothing，\"thatmanreplied。
\"Lookagain，\"saidFionn。
Theeagle-eyedmanliftedaface，thinandsharpasthoughithadbeencarvenonthewind，andhestaredforwardwithanimmobileintentness。
\"Whatdoyousee？\"saidFionn。
\"Nothing，\"themanreplied。
\"Iwilllookmyself，\"saidFionn，andhisgreatbrowbentforwardandgloomedafar。
Thewatcherstoodbeside，staringwithhistensefaceandunwinking，lidlesseye。
\"Whatcanyousee，OFionn？\"saidthewatcher。
\"Icanseenothing，\"saidFionn，andheprojectedagainhisgrim，gauntforehead。Foritseemedasifthewatcherstaredwithhiswholeface，aye，andwithhishands；butFionnbroodedweightedlyondistancewithhispuckeredandcranniedbrow。
Theylookedagain。
\"Whatcanyousee？\"saidFionn。
\"Iseenothing，\"saidthewatcher。
\"IdonotknowifIseeorifIsurmise，butsomethingmoves，\"
saidFionn。\"Thereisatrample，\"hesaid。
Thewatcherbecamethenaneye，arigidity，anintenseout-thrustingandransackingofthin-spundistance。Atlasthespoke。
\"Thereisadust，\"hesaid。
Andatthatthechampionsgazedalso，straininghungrilyafar，untiltheireyesbecamefilledwithabluedarknessandtheycouldnolongerseeeventhethingsthatwereclosetothem。
\"I，\"criedCona’ntriumphantly，\"Iseeadust。\"
\"AndI，\"criedanother。
\"AndI。\"
\"Iseeaman，\"saidtheeagle-eyedwatcher。
Andagaintheystared，untiltheirstrainingeyesgrewdimwithtearsandwinks，andtheysawtreesthatstoodupandsatdown，andfieldsthatwobbledandspunroundandroundinagiddilyswirlingworld。
\"Thereisaman，\"Cona’nroared。
\"Amanthereis，\"criedanother。
\"Andheiscarryingamanonhisback，\"saidthewatcher。
\"ItisCaeloftheIroncarryingtheCarlonhisback，\"hegroaned。
\"Thegreatpork！\"amangritted。
\"Theno-good！\"sobbedanother。
\"Thelean-hearted，\"
\"Thick-thighed，\"
\"Ramshackle，\"
\"Muddle-headed，\"
\"Hog！\"screamedachampion。
Andhebeathisfistsangrilyagainstatree。
Buttheeagle-eyedwatcherwatcheduntilhiseyesnarrowedandbecamepin-points，andheceasedtobeamanandbecameanoptic。
\"Wait，\"hebreathed，\"waituntilIscrewintooneotherinchofsight。\"
Andtheywaited，lookingnolongeronthatscarcelyperceptiblespeckinthedistance，butstrainingupontheeyeofthewatcherasthoughtheywouldpenetrateitandlookthroughit。
\"ItistheCarl，\"hesaid，\"carryingsomethingonhisback，andbehindhimagainthereisadust。\"
\"Areyousure？\"saidFionninavoicethatrumbledandvibratedlikethunder。
\"ItistheCarl，\"saidthewatcher，\"andthedustbehindhimisCaeloftheIrontryingtocatchhimup。\"
ThentheFiannagavearoarofexultation，andeachmanseizedhisneighbourandkissedhimonbothcheeks；andtheygrippedhandsaboutFionn，andtheydancedroundandroundinagreatcircle，roaringwithlaughterandrelief，intheecstasywhichonlycomeswheregrislyfearhasbeenandwhencethatbonyjowlhastakenitselfaway。
CHAPTERVIII
TheCarloftheDrabCoatcamebumpingandstumpingandclumpingintothecamp，andwassurroundedbyamultitudethatadoredhimandhailedhimwithtears。
\"Meal！\"hebawled，\"mealfortheloveofthestars！\"
Andhebawled，\"Meal，meal！\"untilhebawledeverybodyintosilence。
Fionnaddressedhim。
\"Whatforthemeal，dearheart？\"
\"Fortheinsideofmymouth，\"saidtheCarl，\"fortherecessesandcranniesanddeep-downprofunditiesofmystomach。Meal，meal！\"helamented。
Mealwasbrought。
TheCarlputhiscoatontheground，openeditcarefully，andrevealedastoreofblackberries，squashed，crushed，mangled，democratic，ill-looking。
\"Themeal！\"hegroaned，\"themeal！\"
Itwasgiventohim。
\"Whatoftherace，mypulse？\"saidFionn。
\"Wait，wait，\"criedtheCarl。\"Idie，Idieformealandblackberries。\"
Intothecentreofthemessofblackberrieshedischargedabarrelofmeal，andbemixedthetwoupandthrough，androundanddown，untilthepileofwhite-black，red-brownslibber-slobberreacheduptohisshoulders。Thenhecommencedtopawandimpelandprojectandcramthemixtureintohismouth，andbetweeneachmouthfulhesighedacontentedsigh，andduringeverymouthfulhegurgledanoozygurgle。
ButwhileFionnandtheFiannastaredlikelostmindsupontheCarl，therecameasoundofbuzzing，asifahornetoraqueenofthewaspsorasavage，steep-wingedgriffinwashoveringaboutthem，andlookingawaytheysawCaeloftheIronchargingonthemwithamonstrousextensionandscurryofbislegs。Hehadaswordinhishand，andtherewasnothinginhisfacebutrednessandferocity。
FearfellllkenightaroundtheFianna，andtheystoodwithslackkneesandhanginghandswaitingfordeath。ButtheCarlliftedapawfulofhisoozyslopanddischargedthisatCaelwithsuchasmashthattheman’sheadspunoffhisshouldersandhoppedalongtheground。TheCarlthenpickeduptheheadandthrewitatthebodywithsuchaimandforcethattheneckpartoftheheadjammedintotheneckpartofthebodyandstuckthere，asgoodaheadasever，youwouldhavesaid，butthatitbadgottwistedthewrongwayround。TheCarlthenlashedhisopponenthandandfoot。
\"Now，dearheart，doyoustillclaimtributeandlordshipofIreland？\"saidhe。
\"Letmegohome，\"groanedCael，\"Iwanttogohome。\"
\"Swearbythesunandmoon，ifIletyougohome，thatyouwillsendtoFionn，yearlyandeveryyear，therentofthelandofThessaly。\"
\"Iswearthat，\"saidCael，\"andIwouldswearanythingtogethome。\"
TheCarlliftedhimthenandputhimsittingintohisship。Thenheraisedhisbigbootandgavetheboatakickthatdroveitsevenleaguesoutintothesea，andthatwashowtheadventureofCaeloftheIronfinished。
\"Whoareyou，sir？\"saidFionntotheCarl。
ButbeforeansweringtheCarl’sshapechangedintooneofsplendouranddelight。
\"IamruleroftheShi’ofRathCruachan，\"hesaid。
ThenFionnmacUailmadeafeastandabanquetforthejovialgod，andwiththatthetaleisendedoftheKingofThessaly’ssonandtheCarloftheDrabCoat。
THEENCHANTEDCAVEOFCESHCORRAN
CHAPTERI
FionnmacUailwasthemostprudentchiefofanarmyintheworld，buthewasnotalwaysprudentonhisownaccount。
Disciplinesometimesirkedhim，andhewouldthentakeanyopportunitythatpresentedforanadventure；forhewasnotonlyasoldier，hewasapoetalso，thatis，amanofscience，andwhateverwasstrangeorunusualhadanirresistibleat-tractionforhim。Suchasoldierwashethat，single-handed，hecouldtaketheFiannaoutofanyholetheygotinto，butsuchaninveteratepoetwashethatalltheFiannatogethercouldscarcelyretrievehimfromtheabyssesintowhichhetumbled。IttookhimtokeeptheFiannasafe，butittookalltheFiannatokeeptheircaptainoutofdanger。Theydidnotcomplainofthis，fortheylovedeveryhairofFionn’sheadmorethantheylovedtheirwivesandchildren，andthatwasreasonablefortherewasneverintheworldapersonmoreworthyoflovethanFionnwas。
GollmacMornadidnotadmitsomuchinwords，butheadmitteditinallhisactions，foralthoughheneverlostanopportunityofkillingamemberofFionn’sfamily（therewasdeadlyfeudbetweenclann-Baiscneandclann-Morna），yetacallfromFionnbroughtGollragingtohisassistancelikealionthatragestenderlybyhismate。Notevenacallwasnecessary，forGollfeltinhisheartwhenFionnwasthreatened，andhewouldleaveFionn’sownbrotheronlyhalf-killedtoflywherehisarmwaswanted。Hewasneverthanked，ofcourse，foralthoughFionnlovedGollhedidnotlikehim，andthatwashowGollfelttowardsFionn。
Fionn，withCona’ntheSwearerandthedogsBranandSceo’lan，wassittingonthehunting-moundatthetopofCeshCorran。BelowandaroundoneverysidetheFiannawerebeatingthecovertsinLegneyandBrefny，rangingthefastnessesofGlenDallan，creepinginthenutandbeechforestsofCarbury，spyingamongthewoodsofKyleConor，andrangingthewideplainofMoyConal。
Thegreatcaptainwashappy：hiseyeswererestingonthesightshelikedbest——thesunlightofaclearday，thewavingtrees，thepuresky，andthelovelymovementoftheearth；andhisearswerefilledwithdelectablesounds——thebayingofeagerdogs，theclearcallingofyoungmen，theshrillwhistlingthatcamefromeveryside，andeachsoundofwhichtoldadefinitethingaboutthehunt。Therewasalsotheplungeandscurryofthedeer，theyappingofbadgers，andthewhirrofbirdsdrivenintoreluctantflight。
CHAPTERII
NowthekingoftheShi’ofCeshCorran，Conaran，sonofImidel，wasalsowatchingthehunt，butFionndidnotseehim，forwecannotseethepeopleofFaeryuntilweentertheirrealm，andFionnwasnotthinkingofFaeryatthatmoment。ConarandidnotlikeFionn，and，seeingthatthegreatchampionwasalone，saveforCona’nandthetwohoundsBranandSceo’lan，hethoughtthetimehadcometogetFionnintohispower。WedonotknowwhatFionnhaddonetoConaran，butitmusthavebeenbadenough，forthekingoftheShi’ofCeshCotranwasfilledwithjoyatthesightofFionnthusclosetohim，thusunprotected，thusunsuspicious。
ThisConaranhadfourdaughters。Hewasfondofthemandproudofthem，butifoneweretosearchtheShi’sofIrelandorthelandofIreland，theequalofthesefourwouldnotbefoundforuglinessandbadhumourandtwistedtemperaments。
Theirhairwasblackasinkandtoughaswire：itstuckupandpokedoutandhungdownabouttheirheadsinbushesandspikesandtangles。Theireyeswereblearyandred。Theirmouthswereblackandtwisted，andineachofthesemouthstherewasahedgeofcurvedyellowfangs。Theyhadlongscraggynecksthatcouldturnallthewayroundliketheneckofahen。Theirarmswerelongandskinnyandmuscular，andattheendofeachfingertheyhadaspikednailthatwasashardashornandassharpasabriar。Theirbodieswerecoveredwithabristleofhairandfurandfluff，sothattheylookedlikedogsinsomepartsandlikecatsinothers，andinotherpartsagaintheylookedlikechickens。Theyhadmoustachespokingundertheirnosesandwoollywadsgrowingoutoftheirears，sothatwhenyoulookedatthemthefirsttimeyouneverwantedtolookatthemagain，andifyouhadtolookatthemasecondtimeyouwerelikelytodieofthesight。
TheywerecalledCaevo’g，Cuillen，andIaran。Thefourthdaughter，Iarnach，wasnotpresentatthatmoment，sonothingneedbesaidofheryet。
Conarancalledthesethreetohim。
\"Fionnisalone，\"saidhe。\"Fionnisalone，mytreasures。\"
\"Ah！\"saidCaevo’g，andherjawcrunchedupwardsandstuckoutwards，aswasusualwithherwhenshewassatisfied。
\"Whenthechancecomestakeit，\"Conarancontinued，andhesmiledablack，beetle-browed，unbenevolentsmile。
\"It’sagoodword，\"quothCuillen，andsheswungherjawlooseandmadeitwaggleupanddown，forthatwasthewayshesmiled。
\"Andhereisthechance，\"herfatheradded。
\"Thechanceishere，\"Iaranechoed，withasmilethatwasverylikehersister’s，onlythatitwasworse，andthewenthatgrewonhernosejoggledtoandfroanddidnotgetitsbalanceagainforalongtime。
Thentheysmiledasmilethatwasagreeabletotheirowneyes，butwhichwouldhavebeenadeadlythingforanybodyelsetosee。
\"ButFionncannotseeus，\"Caevo’gobjected，andherbrowsetdownwardsandherchinsetupwardsandhermouthsqueezedsidewards，sothatherfacelookedlikeabadlydisappointednut。
\"Andweareworthseeing，\"Cuillencontinued，andthedisappointmentthatwassetinhersister’sfacegotcarvedandtwistedintohers，butitwasworseinhercase。
\"Thatisthetruth，\"saidIaraninavoiceoflamentation，andherfacetookonagnarlandawritheandasolidityofuglywoethatbeattheothertwoand。madeevenherfathermarvel。
\"Hecannotseeusnow，\"Conaranreplied，\"buthewillseeusinaminute。\"
\"Won’tFionnbegladwhenheseesus！\"saidthethreesisters。
Andthentheyjoinedhandsanddancedjoyfullyaroundtheirfather，andtheysangasong，thefirstlineofwhichis：
\"Fionnthinksheissafe。Butwhoknowswhentheskywillfall？\"
LotsofthepeopleintheShi’learnedthatsongbyheart，andtheyappliedittoeverykindofcircumstance。
CHAPTERIII
BYhisartsConaranchangedthesightofFionn’seyes，andhedidthesameforCona’n。
InafewminutesFionnstoodupfromhisplaceonthemound。
Everythingwasabouthimasbefore，andhedidnotknowthathehadgoneintoFaery。Hewalkedforaminuteupanddownthehillock。Then，asbychance，hesteppeddowntheslopingendofthemoundandstoodwithhismouthopen，staring。Hecriedout：
\"Comedownhere，Cona’n，mydarling。\"
Cona’nsteppeddowntohim。
\"AmIdreaming？\"Fionndemanded，andhestretchedouthisfingerbeforehim。
\"Ifyouaredreaming，\"saidCongn，\"I’mdreamingtoo。Theyweren’thereaminuteago，\"hestammered。
Fionnlookedupattheskyandfoundthatitwasstillthere。HestaredtoonesideandsawthetreesofKyleConorwavinginthedistance。Hebenthiseartothewindandheardtheshoutingofhunters，theyappingofdogs，andtheclearwhistles，whichtoldhowthehuntwasgoing。
\"Well！\"saidFionntohimself。
\"Bymyhand！\"quothCona’ntohisownsoul。
Andthetwomenstaredintothehillsideasthoughwhattheywerelookingatwastoowonderfultobelookedawayfrom。
\"Whoarethey？\"saidFionn。
\"Whatarethey？\"Cona’ngasped。Andtheystaredagain。
Fortherewasagreatholelikeadoorwayinthesideofthemound，andinthatdoorwaythedaughtersofConaransatspinning。
Theyhadthreecrookedsticksofhollysetupbeforethecave，andtheywerereelingyarnoffthese。Butitwasenchantmenttheywereweaving。
\"Onecouldnotcallthemhandsome，\"saidCona’n。
\"Onecould，\"Fionnreplied，\"butitwouldnotbetrue。\"
\"Icannotseethemproperly，\"Fionncomplained。\"Theyarehidingbehindtheholly。\"
\"IwouldhecontentedifIcouldnotseethematall，\"hiscompaniongrumbled。
ButtheChiefinsisted。
\"Iwanttomakesurethatitiswhiskerstheyarewearing。\"
\"Letthemwearwhiskersornotwearthem，\"Cona’ncounselled。
\"Butletushavenothingtodowiththem。\"
\"Onemustnotbefrightenedofanything，\"Fionnstated。
\"Iamnotfrightened，\"Cona’nexplained。\"Ionlywanttokeepmygoodopinionofwomen，andifthethreeyonderarewomen，thenI
feelsureIshallbegintodislikefemalesfromthisminuteout。\"
\"Comeon，mylove，\"saidFionn，\"forImustfindoutifthesewhiskersaretrue。\"
Hestroderesolutelyintothecave。HepushedthebranchesofhollyasideandmarcheduptoConaran’sdaughters，withCona’nbehindhim。
CHAPTERIV
Theinstanttheypassedthehollyastrangeweaknesscameovertheheroes。Theirfistsseemedtogrowheavyaslead，andwentdingle-dangleattheendsoftheirarms；theirlegsbecameaslightasstrawsandbegantobendinandout；theirnecksbecametoodelicatetoholdanythingup，sothattheirheadswibbledandwobbledfromsidetoside。
\"What’swrongatall？\"saidCona’n，ashetumbledtotheground。
\"Everythingis，\"Fionnreplied，andhetumbledbesidehim。
Thethreesistersthentiedtheheroeswitheverykindofloopandtwistandknotthatcouldbethoughtof。
\"Thosearewhiskers！\"saidFionn。
\"Alas！\"saidConan。
\"Whataplaceyoumusthuntwhiskersin？’hemumbledsavagely。
\"Whowantswhiskers？\"hegroaned。
ButFionnwasthinkingofotherthings。
\"IftherewasanywayofwarningtheFiannanottocomehere，\"
Fionnmurmured。
\"Thereisnoway，mydarling，\"saidCaevo’g，andshesmiledasmilethatwouldhavekilledFionn，onlythatheshuthiseyesintime。
Afteramomenthemurmuredagain：
\"Cona’n，mydearlove，givethewarningwhistlesothattheFiannawillkeepoutofthisplace。\"
Alittlewhoof，likethesoundthatwouldbemadebyababyanditasleep，camefromCona’n。
\"Fionn，\"saidhe，\"thereisn’tawhistleinme。Wearedonefor，\"
saidhe。
\"Youaredonefor，indeed，\"saidCuillen，andshesmiledahairyandtwistyandfangysmilethatalmostfinishedCona’n。
BythattimesomeoftheFiannahadreturnedtothemoundtoseewhyBranandSceo’lanwerebarkingsooutrageously。Theysawthecaveandwentintoit，butnosoonerhadtheypassedthehollybranchesthantheirstrengthwentfromthem，andtheywereseizedandboundbythevicioushags。LittlebylittleallthemembersoftheFiannareturnedtothehill，andeachofthemwasdrawnintothecave，andeachwasboundbythesisters。
Oisi’nandOscarandmacLugaccame，withthenoblesofclann-Baiscne，andwiththoseofclann-Corcoranandclann-Smo’l；
theyallcame，andtheywereallbound。
ItwasawonderfulsightandagreatdeedthisbindingoftheFianna，andthethreesisterslaughedwithajoythatwasterribletohearandwasalmostdeathtosee。Asthemenwerecapturedtheywerecarriedbythehagsintodarkmysteriousholesandblackperplexinglabyrinths。
\"Hereisanotherone，\"criedCaevo’gasshebundledatrussedchampionalong。
\"Thisoneisfat，\"saidCuillen，andsherolledabulkyFenianalonglikeawheel。
\"Here，\"saidIaran，\"isaloveofaman。Onecouldeatthiskindofman，\"shemurmured，andshelickedalipthathadwhiskersgrowinginsideaswellasout。
Andthecordedchampionwhimperedinherarms，forhedidnotknowbuteatingmightindeedbehisfate，andhewouldhavepreferredtobecoffinedanywhereintheworldratherthantobecoffinedinsideofthatface。Sofarforthem。